Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Race, Dismisses Disqualification Suit

By Donatus Zipamone 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, clearing the way for his possible return to the political arena.

Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Lifu, struck out the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, describing the case as lacking merit and an abuse of court process.

The court also dismissed the plaintiff’s application seeking the recusal of the judge from the matter and slammed a N21 million cost against the plaintiff.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, had challenged Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election on grounds that he had allegedly exceeded the constitutional term limit allowed for a Nigerian president.

Jideobi argued that Jonathan, who completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua before winning the 2011 presidential election, was constitutionally barred from seeking the office again.

However, Jonathan’s legal team, led by senior advocate Chris Uche, urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the matter had already been settled by previous judicial pronouncements.

The defence cited earlier rulings, including the Andy Solomon versus Jonathan case at the Federal High Court and the Cyracus Njoku versus Jonathan matter decided by the Court of Appeal, both of which upheld Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility.

Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu agreed with the defence arguments and held that the plaintiff failed to establish sufficient legal grounds to sustain the action.

The ruling effectively removes any legal obstacle preventing Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential contest should he decide to run.

The judgment is already generating political reactions across the country, especially amid growing speculations over Jonathan’s possible political comeback ahead of the next general elections.